Authorities in California have ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents following the detection of a critical failure in a toxic chemical storage tank. The tank, located in an industrial facility east of Los Angeles, contains a volatile mixture of hazardous substances and is at risk of explosion or catastrophic leakage.
Emergency services have established a five-mile exclusion zone around the site, affecting an estimated 8,000 people. Evacuation centres have been set up in nearby towns, and roads have been closed to facilitate the movement of residents. The facility, operated by a petrochemical company, has been under scrutiny in recent years for safety violations.
Specialist hazmat teams are on site, attempting to vent pressure from the tank. Officials have not released the specific chemicals involved but have confirmed the substance is highly toxic and poses a severe threat to human health if released into the atmosphere. The state’s environmental agency is monitoring air quality.
The incident has reignited debates over industrial safety standards and the proximity of chemical plants to residential areas. California’s governor has declared a state of emergency for the region, freeing up state and federal resources for the response. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with traffic management and security.
Local hospitals have been placed on standby, and schools in the evacuation zone have been closed. The affected area includes several communities that have previously experienced environmental disasters, including wildfires and toxic spills. The cause of the tank failure is under investigation, with early reports suggesting a structural weakness exacerbated by recent seismic activity in the region.
The company released a statement expressing regret for the disruption and pledged full cooperation with authorities. However, environmental groups have criticised the lack of transparency and called for a permanent shutdown of the facility. The incident is likely to have political repercussions, with lawmakers already demanding a full inquiry.
As the situation develops, officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid the area. Updates are expected within the hour from the state emergency services.
